Side Effects of Accutane

A new Accutane study out of Sweden has linked the controversial acne drug to an increased risk of suicide. The study’s findings support increased mental health monitoring of patients for up to a year after taking Accutane.

Approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982, Accutane is a treatment for recalcitrant acne and contains the active ingredient isotretinoin, derived from Vitamin A. Accutane has been the subject of controversy for years, garnering attention in the late 1980s for causing severe birth defects. The drug has also been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, liver problems, and suicidal behavior.

The Swedish Accutane study was conducted by the Karolinska Institutet over a period of 20 years, an tracked 5,756 men and women — whose mean age upon starting to use isotretinoin, was 22 and 27, respectively — during the years before and after their isotretinoin use and during their treatment. The results show that 128 patients were admitted to hospital following a suicide attempt.

In 2009, Roche decided to stop marketing Accutane for economic reasons. In announcing the decision, Roche cited the high cost of product liability suits involving the drug as one of the factors in the decision. It is worth mentioning that the numerous Accutane lawsuits were filed agains the drug’s manufacturer.

Read more about Accutane and the link to suicide on NewsInferno.

Dangerous Side Effects – Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s Disease

Reported by Newsinferno.com on Monday 22nd November 2010.

Roche CEO Severin Schwan

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)—Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease—are some of the dangerous side effects linked to Accutane. In 2005, the Accutane label was modified to warn that IBD had been associated its use; however, many believe the warning did not accurately reflect this risk.

Approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982, Accutane is a treatment for recalcitrant acne and contains the active ingredient isotretinoin, derived from Vitamin A. Accutane works by drying up sebum, an oily substance produced by skin glands—excess sebum can lead to bacterial growth, inflammation of skin follicles, and acne.

Accutane has been the subject of controversy for years, garnering attention in the late 1980s for causing severe birth defects. Known to cause psychiatric problems and linked to hundreds of cases of suicide in the United States, Accutane has been linked to liver, kidney, pancreas, and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, central nervous, and auto-immune system problems.

Named in more than 5,000 lawsuits because of its dangerous side effects, Accutane IBD lawsuits have awarded significant jury awards to plaintiffs. In June 2009, Roche Laboratories decided to remove Accutane from the market, citing loss of market share and acknowledged it was incurring increasing costs over Accutane litigation. A current Black Box warning on Accutane cautions consumers about its potential to harm unborn children. Additional serious side effects associated with Accutane use include depression, IBD, and liver disease.

IBD is a group of other, more specific disorders that are not curable and are characterized by inflammation of the intestines that is long-lasting and can develop repeatedly, even if seemingly clearing up. Symptoms may initially appear to be similar to those of the stomach flu and initially include severe abdominal pain, joint pain, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, skin conditions, rectal bleeding, and fever.

IBD is comprised of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis can cause ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine, generally starting rectally and moving into the colon. If you have ever suffered this and you associate your health problems with taking these pills do not hesitate to file an Accutane ulcerative colitis lawsuit in order to protect your legal rights.

Crohn’s disease usually affects the small intestine, but can occur in all portions of the digestive tract, including the mouth, stomach, and colon. Ulcers may go away without treatment, but often recur repeatedly. Everyone who suffer these health problems as a result of Accutane treatment can initiate an Accutane Crohn’s lawsuit against the drugs’ manufacturer.

Help filing claims and other legal assistance for the victims of Accutane is available at www.YourLawyer.com, or fill in the form to the right to speak with an experienced Accutane IBD lawyer.